here's the other chapter tonight guys! i'm so sorry, i had no idea this one is short! enjoy it anyway! it's just a linking chapter! we need one of these once in a while.

12. Facing Up

Three months had past and a lot of things had changed. Haley had definitely changed. It took two months of makeovers and numerous tubs of ice cream to prepare themselves, but Brooke and Haley were finally ready to start again.

Over the summer they had got in touch with some of the girls from their school occasionally to make friends. Things were going well, and Brooke and Haley had been offered to come to the cheerleading tryouts. And were invited to the end of summer masquerade party. Haley was even going to sing.

Brooke and Haley were going to cut up their fake ids, but the girls told them to keep them so they could buy drink for the parties.

Rachel and Peyton helped Brooke and Haley shop for new school outfits. They were starting to become a good set of friends. None of the girls were to see any of the high school boys until they went back to school. Rachel said it was so they could really show off their hot bodies and their good tans once they went back to school. Haley and Brooke didn't mind, considering they hadn't met any of the guys before.

Haley and Brooke had told Peyton and Rachel everything about their lives. All about their parents and their weekends and their road trip. About the two mistakes and Haley's attack. Haley conveniently left out the story about Nathan. She wasn't ready to talk about him and wanted to forget him.

The girls were really having so much fun. And it was real, childish fun. The girls acted immature and laughed at everything. It's felt good for Haley and Brooke to finally be themselves.

Nathan had been in L.A for the rest of the summer. He had not seen Haley again since their fight. He longed to be with her again, or just to receive a smile from her, to know that everything was all right. He was scared for her; he didn't want her to be attacked again. He knew he could have been the guy for her. But an over 5-year ages gap could be the problem.

He tried to move on, and eventually after sleeping with numerous girls he did. He felt dirty and ashamed. But he didn't need Haley anymore. He was going to go back to school and move on. Basketball was his main focus now. Girlfriend or no girlfriend, his last two years had to be fun.

wow! this is so short! oh well. next chapter is a lovely masquerade ball! yay! no one knows who anyone is... this could get interesting...